Top chefs are abandoning their fine dining posts to give fast food a much-needed makeover. Eloise Basuki takes a bite out of this delicious new trend.
Fast food is growing up. While a late-night cheeseburger and fries still won’t tick any nutritional boxes, the ingredients have taken a turn for the much-better, thanks to some highly acclaimed chefs now flipping them.
With five hats combined from his growing group of award-winning Australian restaurants, Rockpool and Spice Temple, Neil Perry took a leap of faith from the fine-dining scene to open last year’s new venture Burger Project in World Square, Sydney.
Sticking to his ‘fast food, slow food values’ ethos, the idea was to create a burger for the people, making a version of the high-quality Rockpool wagyu burger ($24) that leaves less of a dent in your pocket (the classic Burger Project burger sells for $8.90).
“We’re delivering fast food using the best ingredients, made and served by qualified staff, in an environment that’s well-designed and inspiring," says Perry. “We’re only as good as our suppliers and they play a very important role in our success."
It’s this commitment to using such high-quality ingredients (Cape Grim grass-fed beef burgers, free-range chicken, locally grown vegetables and house-made ingredients) that gives Burger Project such far-reaching appeal.
“It’s a real mix, we have Rockpool Group regulars who pop into Burger Project for lunch on the run, and we also see a cross-section of corporate customers from the nearby business towers, families and the youth market. Everyone who appreciates a good burger, really," he says.
And it’s not just burgers that fine-dining chefs are grilling, Ben Greeno, Noma alumni and former executive chef at Sydney’s Momofuku Seiōbo, has added a grab-and-go rotisserie chicken shop to his new venue, The Paddington, while Maha head chef and owner, Shane Delia, opened his Melbourne kebab shop, Biggie Smalls Kbabs, last year.
“It’s a different experience at Biggie than at Maha, but it still has to tick the same boxes that Maha does," says Delia.
While New York chef David Chang has said there’s a growing need for all chefs to rethink ‘fast food’ to offset the inefficiency of high-end restaurants, Delia doesn’t agree.
“Money isn’t my motivator. In my opinion, when the motivation and end goal is driven purely by the bottom line, you’ve already lost," he says.
For Delia, Biggie Smalls is a chance for him to show his personality and have a little fun.
“At Biggie I’m in a tee and flat-brim cap, and at Maha I’m in my chef whites. I’m the same person, same chef and offer the same level of service to my customers wherever I am. With Biggie I’m being a little more selfish. It’s a place I wanted to create for me."
Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure
Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.
1. Southern Beaches
The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtellvillage . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.
Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.
Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.
2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail
The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.
Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.
Explore the green heart of Coffs.
3. Dorrigo National Park
Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .
Wander the Skywalk.
4. Northern Beaches
For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.
Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.
5. Jetty precinct
You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.
Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.
Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.
Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.
6. Grafton
Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .
Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)
7. Nambucca
Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .
Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)
